South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise

South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise

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21 Days From

$10471

South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise

21 Days Starting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls, Iguassu National Park, Buenos Aires, Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Santa Cruz Island, Genovesa Island, Galápagos Islands

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

LSRNCN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Expedition Cruising

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $10471

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "South America Revealed with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise" tour, exploring the vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador. Begin your adventure in Rio de Janeiro, where you'll marvel at iconic landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer. Experience the awe-inspiring Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Buenos Aires with a tango show and a visit to a gaucho ranch. Discover the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru, and savor the culinary delights of Lima. Conclude your journey with a cruise through the Galápagos Islands, encountering unique wildlife and stunning natural beauty. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonder, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.

Highlights

  • Explore Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco with a Local Specialist.

  • Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Experience the breathtaking Iguassu Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides.

  • Discover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Peru.

  • Enjoy a Tango and Dinner Show in Buenos Aires.

  • Visit the historical center of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stand on the Equator.

  • Cruise through the Galápagos Islands, visiting Santa Cruz, Genovesa, and Santa Fé Islands.

  • Encounter the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, including giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

Places You'll See

Christ The Redeemer

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Meals Included: Dinner

Immerse yourself in the tropical allure of Rio de Janeiro - your launch pad to a South American exploration of capital cities and ancient cultures. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel offering superb views of Copacabana Beach. This evening, we’ll join our Travel Director and fellow travelers for a festive dinner.

Day 2: Enjoy Rio De Janeiro And Sugarloaf Mountain

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ease into your morning Rio-style before joining your Travel Director to delve into the captivating contrasts of Brazil’s cidade maravilhosa (marvelous city). See the 18th-century Carioca Aqueduct, the colonial Candelaria church and the home of the Rio Carnival, the Sanbodromo. Ascend Sugarloaf Mountain via cable car for a 'pinch me moment' of inspiring bay and city views. Enjoy a free evening.

Day 3: Uncover The Sights And Flavors Of Rio De Janeiro

Location: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation Name: Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Meals Included: Breakfast

The iconic Christ the Redeemer beckons this morning as we journey by cogwheel train to the summit of Corcovado for impressive panoramic views. Returning to the city, we visit the shores of Copacabana and Ipanema, spending the rest of the day at leisure to watch Rio’s beautiful people living life to the fullest. This evening, learn how to mix the perfect caipirinha, then indulge in a sizzling Regional Dinner barbecue at a local churrascaria.

Day 4: Experience The Rhythms Of Rio De Janeiro And Off To Iguassu Falls Dive Into Culture

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey into some of South America’s most beautiful natural landscapes taking a flight from Rio to Iguassu Falls, the UNESCO-listed magnificent falls that straddle the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Explore the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls, 'Big Waters', in Iguassu National Park with a Local Specialist. Hike to the cascading falls through giant clouds and sprays of water feeling refreshed in the humidity. You’ll learn that while hot and humid, this lush micro-climate supports diverse fauna in its subtropical rainforest of over 2,000 species of vascular plants. Conclude your day crossing the border to Argentina to your hotel.

Day 5: Iguassu National Park Argentinian Side With Local Specialist

Location: Iguassu National Park

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mercure

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get a different perspective of grandeur on the Argentinian side of the falls at the Devil's throat. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience finds you paying a visit to the Guarani community of Fortín M'bororé who open their doors to reveal the secrets of the jungle, their natural medicine, culture, songs, dances, crafts, philosophy and beliefs. Discover with the Guarani the "Spirit of the Trees", a walk where you learn to walk through the interior of the Jungle guided by aboriginal experts. This afternoon, join an optional experience on Gran Aventura boat tour or an Argentinean experience learning about Argentine culture, tasting local dishes in a five-course dinner, sampling four Argentinean wines and mingling with travelers from around the world.

Day 6: Iguassu Falls - Buenos Aires

Location: Iguassu Falls

Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take a flight from Iguassu Falls to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Check into your hotel located in the heart of the cultural center at the historic Plaza San Martin and, with the rest of the day free, perhaps take a stroll around this upscale part of the city. This evening dive into culture watching the passionate fiery and precise steps of some of Buenos Aires most talented tango dancers. Here at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo, you’re in the most classic house of tango putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of Tango culture.

Day 7: Buenos Aires Sightseeing And At Leisure

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Take in the sights of Buenos Aires on a City Tour to the pink palace, cathedral and La Boca neighborhood. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore this exciting city on your own or join one of our tempting optionals. Head to the northern outskirts of Buenos Aires to the lush countryside of the Tigre Delta, a popular weekend getaway of scenery, summer residences, yachting and a chance to see another way of Argentine life. Or venture on a wine tasting trip to “El Querandi,” a big house located in the historical district and considered a living testimony of the city originally founded as a bar in 1920.

Day 8: Buenos Aires Your Way Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

Location: Buenos Aires

Accommodation Name: Alvear Art Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave Buenos Aires to San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the gaucho traditions in the pampas region, for a tour along its quaint streets lined with silversmiths. Take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visiting a local project of the Local Association for disabled people who are keeping up the tradition of making the alpargatas shoes. Appreciate more artisans paying a visit to a local artist's studio observing how masterpieces are created. Cap off your day with a Be My Guest experience, complete with sizzling asado steak, at a family-owned gaucho ranch where your watch cowboys show off the horsemanship accompanied by music and dance.

Day 9: Venture To Lima, The City Of Kings

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner at 6 p.m.

Day 10: Savor The Flavors Of Lima Connect With Locals

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Francisco Pizarro’s 'City of Kings' is ours to explore this morning as we discover the colonial heritage of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center with our Local Specialist. Admire the ornate baroque façades of the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America next, and meet Ignacio Barrios who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. Visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then continue to his cooking school where you'll Connect With Locals and enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes. You’ll have an opportunity to sample some of these at a Be My Guest experience lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11: Admire The Local Culture Of Cusco And Sacred Valley Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje”. Then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.

Day 12: Journey To Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation Name: El MaPi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The Sacred Valley reveals its mysteries today as we encounter the remains of the mighty Inca empire. Our first stop this morning is the famous Inca hilltop fortress, Ollantaytambo, built from massive blocks of stone. We board the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu, where a Local Specialist will lead us through the ruins of this once-great fortress. Explore the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. Tonight, we’ll dine at our hotel.

Day 13: Continue In Machu Picchu Then Return To Cusco Dive Into Culture

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

We return to Machu Picchu this morning with an opportunity to explore this mythical fortress on our own terms. Then it’s off to Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria for a taste of chicha. Dive Into Culture and learn how this Peruvian corn beer is made by local women.

Day 14: Step Back In Time In Cusco

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning with your Local Specialist, admiring the 16th century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.

Day 15: Onward To Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima late this morning. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, join your Local Specialist at the Larco Museum for an evening exploration of its collection of pre-Columbian art. We’ll indulge in a memorable Farewell Dinner in the museum’s garden.

Day 16: Voyage To Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Sheraton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Ecuador (flight not included in holiday price). Enjoy a warm welcome in Quito where you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel.

Day 17: Uncover Historical Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Sheraton

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the historical center of Quito, which was the first place in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to the 'Middle of the World' to stand on the Equator. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 18: Tortoises And Santa Cruz Island

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise north to south through the islands and islets of the remote Galápagos. On arrival at Baltra Island Airport, transfer to the M/V Galápagos Legend, which will ferry you to the Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll walk amongst the world’s largest tortoises in the wild.

Day 19: Wander Genovesa Island

Location: Genovesa Island

Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit to Genovesa Island today, climbing up the rocky Prince Phillip's Steps in search of Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies and Darwin’s famed finches. Walk to expansive lava field over which Wedge-rumped storm petrels swarm, then continue to Darwin Bay.

Day 20: The Wildlife Of South Plaza And Santa Fé Island

Location: Galápagos Islands

Accommodation Name: M/V Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The marine iguanas of South Plaza Island view our arrival with indifference as we embark on our walk from the small lava dock. We’ll see the shallow lake where flamingos come to feed, then continue inland in search of land iguanas. Arriving Santa Fé island later, we’ll enjoy a snorkel amongst sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays, then walk past a forest of giant Opuntia cacti.

Day 21: Depart Santa Cruz Island

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

The serene landscape of Bachas Beach is our final stop on our Galápagos expedition. Bachas is a great place to swim, walk along the shore or visit the lagoon. Our journey at its end, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our return flight to Quito. Airport arrival time in Quito will be at 5 p.m.; please be aware when booking your flights.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour cost.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing experiences and surprise extras.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Transportation is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

    Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.

  • A Trafalgar bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Rio de Janeiro to Iguassu, Iguassu to Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires to Lima, Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports

    All intra-air flights between Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu, Buenos Aires, Lima, and Cusco are included, along with porter service at all airports.

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What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the starting and ending locations of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees for entry into the countries visited are not included.

  • Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver

    Gratuities for the Tour Director and Driver are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches, intra-air flights between major cities, and scenic train rides like the Vistadome to Machu Picchu. Enjoy a cruise on the M/V Galápagos Legend for island exploration.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including the Windsor Excelsior Copacabana in Rio, Hotel Mercure in Iguassu, Alvear Art Hotel in Buenos Aires, Iberostar Hotel Lima, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley, El MaPi in Machu Picchu, Novotel Cusco, and the M/V Galápagos Legend cruise.

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)20 Breakfast (B)2 Regional Dinner (RD)6 Lunch (L)1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Dive Into Culture

Rio de Janeiro: At dinner there will be a mixology demonstration where you will learn how to mix a caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil.Buenos Aires: Experience the beauty of the Tango and learn about its traditions.Buenos Aires: Uncover San Antonio de Areco, the heart of the “gaucho” traditions in the “pampas” region. Walk around the small village’s cobblestoned streets appreciating its quaint historical center. See the main square, the church, and meet some of the locals along the way. Also known as the ‘Cradle of Tradition’ the colonial town was founded over 280 years ago and is filled with old bars (“pulperías”) and artisan shops with over 30 silversmiths. Known as “platería criolla”, the traditional Argentinean silverworks include knives, jewelery and other traditional items.Buenos Aires: Visit a gaucho painter’s studio to view his works, appreciate the diverse subjects of his paintings, learn the history of the gaucho town followed by a fascinating drawing demonstration.Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.Sacred Valley: Visit the Pisac market displaying indigeneous Quechua arts and crafts from communities from the surrounding highlands.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as visiting a family-run gaucho ranch in Buenos Aires for food, music, and dance, and learning about traditional weaving techniques in the Sacred Valley with Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to mix a caipirinha in Rio de Janeiro and enjoy a tango show in Buenos Aires.

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Galápagos cruise?

    During the Galápagos cruise, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches on Genovesa Island. You will also encounter marine iguanas, flamingos, land iguanas, and have the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Iguassu Falls visit?

    The visit to Iguassu Falls includes exploring both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls. You will have the chance to hike through the subtropical rainforest, experience the grandeur of the Devil's Throat, and participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with the Guarani community, learning about their culture and natural medicine.

  • How does the tour support local communities?

    The tour supports local communities through MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, such as visiting the Guarani community near Iguassu Falls, supporting a workshop for people with special abilities in Buenos Aires, and helping preserve traditional weaving techniques in the Sacred Valley. These experiences contribute to sustainable development goals by promoting cultural heritage and providing job opportunities.

  • What is the significance of the visit to Machu Picchu?

    The visit to Machu Picchu is significant as it allows you to explore the iconic ruins of the Inca Empire with a Local Specialist. You will see important sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza, and learn about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

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